While four teams are still dreaming of winning the Stanley Cup this season, the rest of the NHL are left to ponder what might have been.
Numerous franchises head into each season with dreams of lifting the prestigious trophy, but things do not always go to plan.
With that in mind, we look at four NHL teams who will embark on the 2023/24 campaign with a massive point to prove.
Detroit Red Wings
The era when the Red Wings were a staple part of the post-season is becoming a distant memory, with the team last qualifying for the play-offs in 2015/16.
However, they were briefly in contention for a Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference this season before eventually running out of steam.
Former Red Wings star Brett Hull recently highlighted the progress they have made in an interview with Betway, suggesting the team is on its way back.
They will likely attract plenty of interest in the sports betting to qualify for the play-offs next term, but challenging for the Stanley Cup may be too much to ask.
New York Rangers
The Rangers’ decision to splash the cash on forwards Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko before the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline ultimately failed to pay dividends.
They got themselves into pole position to progress in the play-offs, but blew a two-game advantage to slip to a 4-3 series defeat against the New Jersey Devils.
Several of their top players dropped below their usual standards against the Devils, handing their opponents the opportunity to mount a spirited comeback.
The Rangers have not won the Stanley Cup since 1993/94 and they desperately need to give their long-suffering fans something to cheer about next season.
Boston Bruins
The Bruins were the best team by a country mile during the regular season, but failed to get beyond the first round in the play-offs.
Their series defeat against the Florida Panthers was a massive disappoint, particularly as they had opened up a 3-1 lead after Game 4.
Some tough decisions need to be made this summer, with the Bruins facing a tricky task to safely navigate their way through salary cap restrictions.
Given the talent they have had at their disposal, one Stanley Cup success since the turn of the century simply is not good enough for the Bruins.
Seattle Kraken
Kraken had a tough start to life in the NHL, finishing some way adrift at the bottom of the Pacific Division at the end of the 2021/22 campaign.
They were much improved this time around, booking a place in the play-offs before defeating much-fancied Colorado Avalanche in the first round.
Kraken took the Dallas Stars to seven games in round two, before bowing out against a team that has been widely tipped to win the Stanley Cup.
With ten picks in the upcoming NHL including two second round selections, Kraken are well-placed to kick on next season. It will be intriguing to see if they can.